From Taiye Joseph
Over 1,500 female students, from secondary schools across Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, have received mentorship and training on tackling teenage pregnancy, thanks to a week-long initiative by the Olugbemisola Daramola Child Welfare Foundation.
The event, tagged “Girls Day Out,” took place between May 2 and 9 across four major towns—Odo-Ere, Oke-Ere, Egbe, and Odo-Eri. It brought together students from schools including Okutadudu High School, United Secondary School, Titcombe College, and others within the local government area.
Speaking at the event, the founder of the Foundation, Mrs. Olugbemisola Osagiede-Daramola, said the training aimed at reducing the increasing rate of teenage pregnancies by empowering girls with knowledge, confidence, and values.
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“This program was more than just a workshop. It created a safe, fun space for girls to express themselves, connect with peers, and leave empowered,” Daramola stated.
She encouraged the girls to value their self-worth and resist societal and peer pressures that could jeopardize their future.
“Never allow your background to define your future. You are gold with a very bright future. Don’t exchange your dignity for a phone or material gifts,” she warned.
Daramola further urged the girls to embrace discipline, hard work, and self-belief, reminding them that their destiny is in their own hands.
She also called on parents to play a more active role in shaping the lives of their children. According to her, poor parental guidance and neglect often expose girls to risky behavior.
“Parents must not pamper in the name of love while ignoring discipline. Don’t shy away from discussing sex education with your girl child,” she said.
She warned that neglecting the emotional and material needs of young girls could push them to seek help in the wrong places, resulting in early pregnancy and ruined aspirations.
“Teenage pregnancy can derail education, interrupt career goals, and break the spirit of a promising girl. We must act now,” she added.
The theme of the training was “Combating the Spate of Teen Pregnancy in the Society,” and it marked the Foundation’s maiden outreach of such scale in the region.
